By Darin In honor of legendary trailblazing player Paul Robeson, we focus today on the 1917 matchup between Rutgers and West Virginia, which remains one of the most legendary chapters in Robeson’s “Iron Man” career.
The 1917 Rutgers vs. West Virginia Clash
Entering that game, West Virginia was a heavily favored powerhouse. Robeson, playing end, put on a defensive and offensive clinic that left the Mountaineers stunned.
- The Defensive Force: Robeson was credited with a staggering number of tackles, virtually shutting down West Virginia’s outside run game by himself.
- The Psychological Victory: Historical accounts suggest that some West Virginia players initially refused to take the field against a Black player. Robeson responded with such overwhelming skill and clean, hard-hitting play that by the fourth quarter, he had earned the vocal respect of the very opponents who had snubbed him. Rutgers secured a massive 7–0 upset, and the game is cited as the moment Robeson proved he was the premier collegiate player in America.
Pro Ball & The Columbia Law Years
What many casual fans miss is that Robeson used the “pro game” to fund his legendary legal education. While attending Columbia Law School (after graduating as valedictorian from Rutgers), he played for two early NFL (then APFA) teams:
Paul Robeson’s Professional Tenure
| Team | Year(s) | Role |
| Akron Pros | 1921 | Defensive End / Receiver |
| Milwaukee Badgers | 1922 | End |
He was a force at the professional level, often traveling by train on weekends to play games in the Midwest before returning to New York for Monday morning classes. He eventually retired from football to focus on the stage and his legal career, but those “Law School Years” remain a testament to his incredible discipline—a perfect story for your Football Fix audience about the true meaning of a “student-athlete.”
Football History Connection
You might find it interesting that during his time with the Akron Pros, Robeson played alongside Fritz Pollard, the NFL’s first Black head coach. Seeing the Rutgers wool jersey in your archives and contrasting it with the Akron Pros’ transition to early canvas-reinforced jerseys would make for a great “Evolution of the Kit” segment.
